Downy Woundwort, German hedgenettle
Stachys germanica
Family: Lamiaceae or Labiatae
What it is like
Stachys germanica is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Pastures and hedgebanks, especially on limestone soils. A very rare native of Britain, it is only found in Oxford, though is common in Europe.
Central and Southern Europe, including Britain, to N. Africa and the Orient.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 2
The leaves are densely covered with long white silky hairs, they have been used as a substitute for lint in dressing wounds. The thick, lint-like leaves are both soft and strongly antiseptic.
Antiseptic: Preventing sepsis, decay or putrefaction, it destroys or arrests the growth of micro-organisms.
Plaster: Used in the treatment of broken bones.
Other
Rating:
Plaster: Used for covering walls.
How it is grown
Easily grown in any deep, well-drained and moderately fertile soil, preferring a position in full sun. The plant is a short-lived perennial and is sometimes biennial. Closely related to S. cretica and S. byzantina.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division in spring.
Best place to grow: Meadow; Hedgerow;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist